Rene Hicks' Cancer-Fighting Tips

René Hicks offers this advice for individuals who are fighting cancer and the survivors:

Nebraska City News-Press - Nebraska City, NE

Writer

Posted Dec. 11, 2012 at 11:42 AM

Posted Dec. 11, 2012 at 11:42 AM

Be a proactive. Get involved in decisions concerning your treatment. “Be willing to fight for your life. You need to feel that you have power over something that makes you feel powerless. Cancer can make you feel helpless, and you can’t survive if you’re feeling helpless.”

Accept the new you. “Whether it’s a mastectomy, the loss of a lung or uterus, become the new body. Whatever that new body is, you’re going to have to come to grips with it. It’s not going to be easy, but you have to say, ‘I’m not the same person. I’m not less of a person. I’m just a new me.’”

Stay active. “Exercise isn’t just a physical thing. It’s a mental thing as well. It gives you time to reflect while you’re in motion rather than just sitting around. When you’re moving, you’re living.”

Connect with life. “Notice the flowers. Notice the cloud patterns in the sky. Notice the trees and the breeze. Notice colors and sunrises. That will keep you connected to life and living and the beauty of life.”

Laugh. “Find something that makes you laugh. Maybe it’s watching a funny movie. Laughter won’t cure cancer, but it gives you hope and a moment when you can just let go. Once you laugh, you’ll want to do it some more.”